Williams Calls for Ecclestone to Save British GP

Sir Frank Williams says he believes that the English blood of Formula One ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone will play an important role in saving the British Grand Prix.

The event's future is under threat after organiser Octagon Motorsports UK were put up for sale, but Williams say there's a strong feeling amongst most Formula One teams who are based in Britain to see the race stay on the calendar.

"I wrote to Bernie and I hope that Bernie understands," Williams said. "He said he knew when he got the letter the strength of feeling that I believe there is among most of the teams based in Great Britain - even though they're not all British owned - and among the fans.

"It's one of the homes of Formula One. I think he (Bernie) is very sensitive to that. He's an Englishman himself."

Octagon Motorsports UK are being prepared to be sold off by parent company Interpublic. They became dismayed with Octagon who, in 2002, lost almost $60 million (USD), forcing Interpublic to slash their share values by almost a quarter to less than a dollar.

Apart from organising and promoting the British GP by way of leasing the Silverstone circuit from its owners, the British Racing Drivers' Club Octagon also control four race circuits in the UK - Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Snetterton and Cadwell Park.

It has been suggested to Ecclestone that he could take over the running of the event, but he has claimed the BRDC track hire prices are too much.